06.06.2007 14:55
Xavi: "Espanyol will want to win"
Berta Brau
As FC Barcelona begin preparations for the crucial local derby against RCD Espanyol on Saturday, Xavi Hernández described the game as transcendental in a press conference on Wednesday.
Frank Rijkaard's team will face a very different team to the one that they played in the Copa
Catalunya, despite the fact that Ernesto Valverde's side have nothing left to play for in the
league. Xavi's recognised that Espanyol will be very keen to win the encounter at the weekend: "The
game will be transcendental for us, but not for them," he said. "Although they are not playing for
anything, they will still be coming here to take us on and earn a a result. The rivalry in these
games is completely normal and they will want to win to silence our fans."
With Ronaldinho's place in the game still uncertain, Xavi believes that the team knows that
they could be without the Brazilian, although "we expect that he should be available, he is one of
the best players in the world and we need him," he said.
Difficult for Madrid
"We believe that Madrid will stumble," Xavi continued. "They have it in their hands, but la
Romareda is a very difficult place to go. We will be playing to win ourselves, but also count on
what is happening elsewhere. Madrid could stumble as they have done on other occasions and like we
did against Real Zaragoza."
Two chances
With only two games to go before the end of the season, the Barça players recognise that
there are not many opportunities left for Madrid to slip up. "The most logical thing is that
Zaragoza win this game," Xavi said about the prospects of Fabio Capello's side, before noting that
Real Mallorca could still cause an upset on the final day. "That would be the last chance. It would
be fantastic if they could win," he added.
Staying calm
Reflecting on the yellow card he received against Latvia at the weekend that meant that he
was ineligible for Spain's game against Liechtenstein on Wednesday, the Terrassa-born midfielder
said: "My conscience is clear. I do understand all the controversy. Everyone plays with cards
hanging over them and I have done this for the good of everyone." Answering the critics who have
questioned his commitment, Xavi stated: "When I am called up I have always gone and I have done my
best."